Junior Year

The junior year of high school is pivotal. There are numerous decisions that you make during your junior year that can have an impact. Junior grades are often considered the most important grades on your transcript. Think carefully about which courses you register for and consider that colleges want to see you take the most challenging courses that are appropriate for you. If you are considering the Military or do not intend to go to college, begin to investigate possible careers.

SEPTEMBER

Meet with your guidance counselor to confirm that your courses for your junior and senior years have the right balance of rigor and challenge to get into a competitive college.

Ask your counselor for your Naviance password if you need a reminder, and continue working with this tool to help find colleges that are a good fit for you.

If you have not already done so, be sure to register for the October PSAT. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT is the best way to get ready for the SAT.

Step up your involvement in one or two organizations. It's not the number of organizations you belong to, but that you have leadership experience that matters the most, as well as passion for the mission of the organization.

If you are an athlete, display leadership qualities as you participate in your sport. If you are interested in initiating relationships with colleges that offer athletic scholarships, talk to your guidance counselor to understand the process and opportunities.

Keep track of your community service activities and hours, a minimum of 25 are required to graduate.

Start collecting materials for your portfolio and begin identifying accomplishments and achievements you will list on your resume.

If you have been nominated for National Honor Society, begin to collect recommendations, community service references and hours, and prepare your application.

Brainstorm and research rewarding summer jobs, internships, or scholarship opportunities.

Stay focused on grades.

APRIL

Work with your guidance counselor to assure a challenging senior year of courses.

Consider visiting some of the colleges on your list. See if you can arrange interviews while you are on campus.

Begin identifying teachers who may be willing to write recommendations letters for you.

Begin reviewing for the SAT. Visit the SAT practice section at www.collegeboard.com and take free practice questions and a free full-length practice test. Try the daily SAT question on the Guidance homepage!

Start thinking about and/or drafting the 500 word essay you will write for your college applications. Some schools will require more than one essay. Check out what questions your favorite colleges have asked in past years.